What does Windows error code 6016 (ERROR_EFS_VERSION_NOT_SUPPORT) mean?

 
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ERROR_EFS_DISABLED ERROR_CS_ENCRYPTION_INVALID_SERVER_RESPONSE

ERROR_EFS_VERSION_NOT_SUPPORT

The current system is too old for this EFS file

This condition is about format or implementation compatibility, not merely certificate ownership. Even with the correct private key, an older EFS implementation may be unable to interpret metadata or cryptographic choices created by a newer system.

Keep the encrypted file and all associated certificates unchanged. Test recovery on the Windows version that created the file or a newer supported system, preferably from a verified copy. Do not strip attributes, reformat the volume, or pass the file through tools that do not preserve EFS metadata.

What to inspect

  • The Windows version and encryption provider used to create or last update the file.
  • The current system version, edition, and installed updates.
  • Backup or migration software that may have altered the raw EFS stream.
  • Successful decryption and re-encryption on a compatible system before further migration.

References


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